Global Connections for PA’s Life Sciences

Location Medica 2016

Pennsylvania’s legacy as a life sciences leader began when we opened the nation’s first hospital in Philadelphia in 1752. Today, this industry’s continued success is evidenced by the 2,300 life sciences establishments and 77,000 life sciences employees that call Pennsylvania home.

In a few days, the Department of Community & Economic Development’s Office of International Business Development (OIBD) will share our life sciences story on an international stage, as we head to MEDICA 2016 in Düsseldorf, Germany from Nov. 14-17, 2016. MEDICA is the world’s largest event for the medical sector – a three-day trade show dedicated to the medical and life sciences industries.

While 2016 marks the trade show’s 40th anniversary, this is the 24th consecutive year Pennsylvania will host a pavillion at the show.

Companies from across Pennsylvania are performing groundbreaking research, and manufacturing medical products and devices that save lives and fuel innovation. We are pleased to have 12 of these world-class companies exhibiting in the Pennsylvania pavilion at MEDICA 2016. At MEDICA, they will showcase their products and services to a global audience, with the goal of identifying business partners and sales opportunities in markets worldwide.

These companies — along with the other 2,300 life sciences companies located in Pennsylvania — are supported by the state’s world-class research and development (R&D) institutions, top-notch universities and incubators and unmatched technical assistance, in addition to our strategic location and advanced infrastructure.

Our numbers prove it. In 2016, Pennsylvania was ranked third in the nation for research, testing and laboratory facilities employment, fourth in bioscience venture capital investments and fourth in academic bioscience R&D expenditure.

Pennsylvania’s central location and infrastructure keep our life sciences and medical products on the move. Within one day’s drive, our companies can reach 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian populations and six of the 10 largest markets in the United States. The state’s three major ports, three Class I railroads, six international airports and 120,000 miles of highway help transport us there.

On an international scale, OIBD is dedicated to helping businesses grow and expand into world markets. The robust roster of services we offer has attracted more than 6,100 foreign-owned companies that employ 334,000 people. I’m proud to say we’re a leader in cross-border projects, touting one of the largest networks of overseas offices of any U.S. state.

The foreign direct investment representatives work to provide overall support and technical assistance required by these foreign companies hoping to invest, expand, or operate a business in the Keystone State. From identifying investment opportunities and coordinating site searches to connecting investors and assisting in establishing a subsidiary, this team is committed to helping companies achieve their business goals in Pennsylvania.

OIBD also offers unparalleled export assistance. Our 10 regional offices and 15 international trade representatives cover 51 markets worldwide, making up one of the largest, most comprehensive state-sponsored export development programs in the U.S.

We guide clients through the export process and market entry strategy, in addition to coordinating business trips and meeting schedules, identifying qualifying buyers and partners and supporting clients at international trade shows — much like what we are doing at MEDICA.

If you are traveling to MEDICA, I encourage you visit us in Hall 16, Stand G05. You can also follow us on social media using the hashtag #MEDICA2016 at @tradePA or @investPA to get a behind-the-scenes peek into the trade show. International businesses that are considering bringing business to Pennsylvania, or who simply want to learn more about what Pennsylvania has to offer, can view our resources at dced.pa.gov.

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